Miniature Pressure Regulator Reducing Droop via Venturi Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature pressure regulators for medical devices face challenges in maintaining accurate regulated output pressure due to 'pressure droop' issues, which are exacerbated by size constraints and increased flow capacity requirements, leading to compromised performance.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator design incorporating a hollow member that utilizes the Venturi effect to reduce pressure droop by communicating reduced pressure to a resilient diaphragm, which in turn adjusts the closure member to minimize outlet pressure deviations, combined with a deflection member to shield the closure member from parallel fluid flow, allowing for increased flow capacity and compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the pressure regulator is reduced to meet miniaturisation requirements, then portability and convenience are improved, but outlet pressure droop increases and flow capacity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A hollow member with a stem is introduced as an intermediary element in the fluid channel. This stem creates a narrow path that generates reduced pressure via the Venturi effect, which then acts on the diaphragm to compensate for outlet pressure droop. The hollow member serves as a mediator that transforms the fluid flow into a pressure compensation mechanism, allowing miniaturised regulators to maintain stable outlet pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient diaphragm provides a feedback mechanism by sensing the reduced pressure generated by the Venturi effect in the narrow path. This sensed pressure information causes the diaphragm to deform and adjust the closure member position, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically compensates for outlet pressure variations without requiring external control systems.
2Reliability
If the regulator size is increased to reduce outlet pressure droop, then pressure stability is improved, but portability and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameters within the system by creating a narrow path that generates reduced pressure through the Venturi effect. This parameter change (creating a low-pressure zone) is then used to act on the diaphragm, enabling pressure compensation without increasing the overall regulator size. The parameter transformation allows a miniaturised device to achieve performance characteristics previously only possible in larger regulators.
3Productivity
If flow capacity is increased to meet medical device requirements, then productivity is improved, but outlet pressure droop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism through the resilient diaphragm continuously adjusts the closure member position in response to outlet pressure variations caused by changing flow rates. This automatic adjustment compensates for pressure droop that would normally occur at higher flow rates, enabling the regulator to maintain stable outlet pressure across a wider flow capacity range.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow member with its narrow path acts as an intermediary that converts high flow rate conditions into useful reduced pressure signals. These signals are then transmitted to the diaphragm to trigger compensatory actions, allowing the system to handle increased flow capacity while maintaining pressure stability through the mediating role of the hollow member.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces outlet pressure droop, enhances flow capacity, and achieves low hysteresis and repeatability, facilitating a compact and cost-effective manufacturing approach while maintaining high precision and portability.
Implementation Method 1
The Venturi effect of fluid moving at a higher velocity through the narrow path between the stem of the hollow member and the channel then entering the slower moving fluid in the channel towards the fluid outlet results in reduced pressure which is transferred to the diaphragm via the inside passage in the hollow member.
Implementation Method 2
the housing comprises a resilient diaphragm in fluid communication with the fluid and in physical communication with the closure member such that the diaphragm is operable to deform in response to a change in pressure of the fluid and such that deformation of the diaphragm causes the closure member to change position
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator comprising a housing containing a channel arranged to communicate a fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, said channel comprising a valve seat and closure member with said closure member operable with valve seat to control fluid flow through the channel and; wherein the housing comprises a resilient diaphragm in fluid communication with the fluid and in physical communication with the closure member such that the diaphragm is operable to deform in response to a change in pressure of the fluid and such that deformation of the diaphragm causes the closure member to change position and; wherein a hollow member is located in the channel and the stem of said hollow member defines a narrow path between the channel and outside of said stem in a region proximate to the fluid outlet such that fluid passing through the channel is communicated from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet via said narrow path such that the pressure of the fluid emerging from said narrow path into the channel is communicated to the diaphragm via the inside of the hollow member.